Electrically operated switch



Aug. 18, 1936. J. G. SOLA l 2,051,622

ELECTRICALLY OPERTED SWITCH Filed July l, 1935 11%, www

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Patented ug. 18, 1936 PATENT OFFICE p Y 2.051.622 EIECTBICALLY ORERATED YSWITCH Joseph G. Sola, Oak Park, lll., asaignor to Sola Electric Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application July 1, 1935, Serial No. 29,246 'JClaima` (01.200-102) My invention relates to electrically. operated switches and it has for its object the provision of a new and improved form and arrangement of parts whereby a minimum of apparatus shall be eifective for obtaining the desired results. lHeretofore it has been customary to employ a transformer to be connected with the usual comvmercial circuit lines carrying alternating current for producing current of low voltage suitable for l0 energization of a separate relay for operating a switch and capable of being controlled safely'by the use of an ordinary push button. It is the object'of my invention to provide an improved combination of parts comprising a transformer adapted to be energized by an alternating current from any available source and 4arranged so as to have its action controlled so as to be made operative or inoperative at will by the manipulation of a push button or the like connected in a control circuit carrying a current of low voltage for actuating an armature adapted in turnI to operate a switch. It is one of the objects of my invention to provide an arrangement of this type in which the armature is actuated by the magnetic :field set up in the core of the transformer `whereby the necessity for the use of a separate relay is obviated.

It is another object of my invention to improve devices of this type in sundry details hereinafter pointed out. 'Ihe preferred means by which I have accomplished my several objects are illustrated in the drawing and are hereinafter speciiically described. That which I believe to be new and desire to cover by Letters Patent is set forth in the claims.

" In the drawlng,.

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my improved device, including a diagrammatic showing of acontrol circuit connected with the secondary coil of the device; .K

Fig. 2 is a central vertical sectional view, taken substantially at line 2*-2 of Fig. 1 but with` certain of the parts shown in elevation;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view 'of the switch armature as shown in Fig. 2, with the mounting rod shown in section; and l Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail view, being a sectional view taken at line 4 4 of Fig. 2.

' Referring now to the several ilgures of the drawing, in which corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference characters, Il indicates a core bar upon which a primary coil II is mounted. In. the arrangement shown,y the ends of the core bar Il are connected by means' o( auxiliary core 'means comprising. core bars I2 and I3' in spaced. relation to the bar I0 at opposite sides thereof, and end core bars I4 and I5. In the arrangement shown the core means as above set forth constitute a double loop arrangement, each of the side core bars I2 and I3 being 5 connected in loop formation with the bar I0 so as to provide al1-metal return paths for any magnetic flux set up in the bar I0.

Upon the core bar III is spaced relation to the coil II, I have provided a secondary coil I6 in 10 transformer relationship tothe coil II, such coil IG being of the required number of turns for producing therethrough an induced current of the desired low voltage. Across the loop at opposite sides of the device between the coils II 15 and IG, I have provided shunt core members I'i and I8 which in the arrangement` shown are mounted ush against the faces of the side core bars I2 and I3 respectively but are provided with air gaps at their inner ends adjacent to the core 20 bar I9; the air gaps in the arrangement shown having members I9 of ber or other non-magnetic material mounted snugly therein so las to hold the shunts by a frictional grip'in position4 in spaced relation to the bar I 25 Upon the face of the core, being the upper face in the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, I have mounted a bracket 2|! upon the upper ends of which in turn is mounted a plate 2| of insulating material. Upon the plate 2| I have mounted 30 binding posts 22 connected with the coil II for connection therewith of leads 23 from a source of electric power. such as the line wires of an ordinary commercial circuit furnishing alternating current. Atthe opposite end of the device, 35 I have mounted binding posts 24 upon the insulating plate 2|, such binding posts being connected with the coil- I6 and serving to connect therewith leads 25 of an auxiliary circuit having an ordinaryspush button 26 connected therein. 40

As will be readily understood by those skilled in, the art, when the circuit through the coil l I6 is open, with the leads 23 connected with a suitable source of alternating current, only a small exciting current willilow through the coil II 45 serving to establish a magnetic fluxv through the core. Under such circumstances, practically none of the ilux passes through the shunts l1 and I8. When, however, the circuit through the coil I6 is closed, a part of the ux threading the primary 50 coil is diverted through the shunts and I8 and across theair gaps. In the arrangement shown, the parts are so arranged as to provide a current of low voltage through the coil I6 as comi pared with the voltage and'a'znperage of the cur- 55 rentl available through the leads 23. Under these circumstances, it is perfectly safe to open and clos/e/ the circuit 25 by\ the use of a push button, the push button thus controlling the ow of work current through the coil il.

Upon the insulating plate 2l I have mounted additional binding posts 21 and 28 which are provided upon their lower ends with contact members 29, the binding posts serving for the connection of leads 30 for delivery of current in series therethrough to any desired work devices. For connecting the contacts 29, I have provided a resilient switch member 3l of conductor material which is disposed below the contacts 29 so as to be movable into engagement therewith for completing the circuit from one lead 30 to the other. In the arrangement shown, theresilient switch member 3l is mounted upon and supported by an operating armv32 in the form of a rod extending upwardly through an opening in the core bar I0 and provided upon its lower end with an armature 33 of magnetic material in bridging relation with respect to the air gaps between the shunts and said core bar Hl. The switch member 3| is held movably in position by means of guide pins 34 depending from the plate 2| and extending through openings in the switch member. As is clearly shown in Fig. 2, the switch member 3l is eiectively insulated with respect to the operating arm 32 by the use of insulating members 35 of any approved form. The operating arm 32 and armature 33are normally held in their lowermost position as shown in Fig. 2, with the armature spaced downwardly away from the core means by the use of a spring 36 interposed between the plate 2| and the means for mounting the switch member 3| in position on said arm.

In operation, with the parts in the condition and position as shown in the drawing, when the push button 26 is operated for closing the circuit through the coil i6, a current of low voltage is induced in the coil I6 and the circuit 25, a work currentvof corresponding volt-amperes strength being caused to ilow through the coil i l wherebya magnetic ileld is produced within the shunts l1 and I8. The armature 33 is then drawn upwardly against the action of the spring 36 serving to bring contacts 31 carried' by the switch member 3| into engagement with the contacts 29 so as to electrically connect said contacts 29. In the arrangement shown,` the resilient switch member 3| is bowed downwardly at its intermediate portion and the arrangement is such that the continued upward movement of the armature 33 and rod 32 after engagement is established between the contacts 31 and 23 serves to partially straighten the'switch member so as to give the contacts 31 a wiping engagement with the contacts 29. In the arrangement shown, the armature 33 is provided with loops or coils 38 preferably of Acopper vabout portions of the armature, which is preferably made of iron, whereby a shading coil effect is obtained for holding the armature in engagement with the face of the core without vibration during the period when an alternating ilux is being produced in the shunts I1 and i8. This eect is produ ed by the reaction of magnetic elds set up by currents traversing the loops 38 with the field in the core means and the iield in the armature, all as is well understood by those skilled in the art.

By the use of my improved arrangement, I am enabled to control a switch adapted to handle a heavy current by the use of a push button in a circuit carrying at a maximum a current of low voltage. This is accomplished in my arrangement by the use of a minimum of apparatus combined in a novel manner for producing an improved cooperative eiect.

1. In a. device of the type described, the combination .of a core in the form of a closed loop comprising a core bar and auxiliary core means connecting the ends of the bar providing \`a return path for magnetic flux set up in said` bar. a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an alternating magnetic flux in said loop, shunt core? connections across said loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said ilrst named coil is located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the flux to shunt core connections --from that part of the Iloop upon which said second coil is mounted, an armature yieldingly mounted in position to bridge said air gap and capable of having a magnetic field established therein so as to be attracted toward said shunt core connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, and means adapted by reaction with the eld in said armature and the field in said core to prevent vibratory movement of said armature as the ux is successively reversed in said core.

2. In a device of the type described, the combination oi a core in the form of a closed loop ucomprising a core bar and auxiliary core means connecting the ends of the bar providing a return path for magnetic ux set up' in said bar, a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an alternating magnetic ux in said loop, shunt core connec- 4 tions across said loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said rst named coil is located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the flux to be diverted to said shunt core connections from that part of the loop upon which said second coil ismounted, an armature of magnetic material yieldingly mounted in position to bridge said air gap so as tobe attracted toward said shunt core connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, and shading coil means carried by said armature for preventing vibratory movement of the armature as the ilux is successively reversed in said core.

3. In a device of the type described, the combination of a core in the form of a closed loop comprising a core bar and auxiliary coremeans connecting the ends of the bar providing a return path for magnetic flux set up in said bar, a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an alternating magnetic ux in said loop, shunt core connections across said loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said first named coil is located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the flux to be diverted -to said shunt core conneci tions from'that part of the loop upon which said secondcoil is mounted, an armature yield# ingly mounted in position to bridge said air gap be diverted to said 20 and capable oi' having a magnetic vheld established therein so as to be attracted toward said shunt core connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, means located in the magnetic field adapted by reaction therewith to prevent vibratory movement of the armature asA the ilux is reversed successively in said core, line contacts carried by said core means, switching means for operatively connecting said line contacts, and means for moving said switching means by power from said armature for closing the switching means when said armature is given an operative movement with respect to the core.

. 4. In a device of the type described, the combination of a core in the form of a closed. loop comprising a core bar and auxiliary core means connecting the ends of the bar providing a return path for magnetic iiux set up in said bar, a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an-alternating magnetic flux in said loop, shunt core connections across said loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said iirst named coil is located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the flux to be diverted to said shunt core connections from that part of the loop upon which said second coil is mounted, an armature movabiy mounted in position to bridge said air gap and capable of having a magnetic eid established therein so as tobe attracted toward said shunt cor connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, means carried by said armature and located in the field of the flux diverted through said shunt connections adapted by reaction therewith to prevent vibratory movement of the armature as the flux is reversed successively insaid core, an operating arm con- .nected with said armature so as to be moved thereby, yielding means for holding said armaf ture normally in spaced relation to said core, a switch member carried by said operating arm, and line contacts carried by said core means in position to be electrically connected by said switch member when said armature is moved toward said core. p

5. In a device of the type described, the'combination o a core in the forni. of a closed loop comprising a core bar and auxiliary core means connecting theends of the bar 4providing adreturn path for magnetic flux set up in said bar, a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an alternating magnetic ux in vsaid loop, shunt `core connections across said '\loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second so coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said first named coiiis located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the ilux to be'diverted to said shunt core connections from that part ci the loop upon which said second coil is mounted, an armature movably mounted in position to bridge said air gap and capable of having a magnetic field established therein so as to be attracted toward said shunt core connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, means carried by said amature and located in the field ofltne flux diverted through said shunt connections adapted by reaction therewith to prevent vibratory movev ment of the armature as the flux is reversed successively in said core, a bracket mounted on the face of said core means opposite the face at which said armature is mounted, line contacts carried 5 by said bracket, an operating arm connected with said armature and extending into position between said line contacts, yielding means for holding said armature normally in spaced relation tosaid core, and a switch member carried l0 by said operating arm in position for electrically connecting said line contacts when said armature is moved toward said core.

6. In a device of the type described, the com bination of a. core in the form of a closed loop l5 comprising a core bar and auxiliary core means connecting the ends of the bar providing a return path for magnetic ux set up in said bar,

a coil on said core loop adapted when energized by an alternating current to produce an alter- 20 nating magnetic flux in said loop, shunt core connections across said loop adjacent to said coil and including an air gap therein, a second coil on said core loop on the opposite side of said shunt core connections from that at which said 25 first named coil is located adapted when connected in a closed circuit to carry an induced current which in turn causes a portion of the flux to be diverted to said shunt core connections from that part of the loop upon which said second coil 30 is mounted, an armature movably mounted in position to bridge said air gap and capable of having a magnetic neld established therein so as to be attracted toward said shunt core connections when the circuit is closed through said second coil, means carried by said larmature and located. in the eld of the iuxy diverted through said shunt connections adapted by reaction therewith to prevent vibratory movement of the armature as the ux is reversed successively in said core, a bracket mounted on the face of said core means opposite the face at which said armature is mounted, a plate ofinsulating material mounted on said bracket across the face of the core, line contacts mounted on said insulating plate, 45 an operating rod connected with said armature and extending through an opening in the core into position between said line contacts, yielding meansv for holding said armature normally in spaced relation to said core, and a resilient switch member of conductor material carried by said operating rod and insulated from said core and bowed downwardly at its intermediate portion in position for electrically connecting said line contacts when said amature is moved toward said 55 core and adapted to have a wiping engagement with said line contacts as said armature moves to the limit of its motion toward the core.

In a device of the type described, the combination of a core in the form of a closed loop com- 60 prising a core bar and auxiliary core means con- 'necting the ends of the bar providing a return path for magnetic ux set up in said bar, a coil on said core `loop adapted when energized by an alternating-current vto produce an valternating 65 by the loop independently of the shunt connection, the arrangement being such that said second coil when the circuit is closed therethrough carries an induced current which causes a por- Aci tion of the flux to pass through the armature whereby the amature is moved by magnetic attraction toward the loop, an electric switch connected with said amature and operated thereby, and means for preventing vibratory movement of said amature as the ux is successively reversed in said core.

JOSEPH G. SOLA. l 

